White Wine Festival - Herzliya Marina - 12 & 13 May

[Daniel Rogov]

White – the second annual festival featuring white, rose and dessert wines – will be taking place in the Herzliya Marina tomorrow and Thursday (12 and 13 May) from the hour of 18:00. In addition to the Herzliya municipality, sponsorship will also be (as might be guessed) by Ish HaAnavim and the magazine Wine, Gourmet and Alcohol.

Admission to the event will be NIS 49 and that includes tastings with no limits. Further information can be obtained by phoning 03 5180533.

My preview and review of last year's event can be found at viewtopic.php?f=29&t=24746

[Avi Hein]

Thinking about going tonight.

Anyone attend last night and have reactions?

[Yakov F]

Stopped by late last night before closing. Less than 10 wineries - each featuring just a few basics, a few liquer, olive oil and fromagerie stands etc. A nice evening if you want to get out but not much more.

[Z Spigelman]

We attended the Festival last night and arrived a few minutes before the 18:00 opening, as we did last year.
I must admit that this year it was much more organized (they were ready on time), separate booths (instead of a central bar - nice concept but not functional), the wine was poured freely (not measured as was done last year), and the weather was great (last year the Festival was in July - a disasterous mix of heat and humidity in Herzliya).
It was a nice way to spend an evening and we did not arrive with great expectations as we drink nearly 98% reds and knew that they would not be offering any "great" wines. We just wanted to taste some white, rose and sparkling wines to see if we could find a few that we like.
From the kosher side, there were plenty of wines to taste including some good ones: e.g., Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay 2006 and Viognier 2007; Galil MT. Avivim 2008 and Viogner 2009. We also tasted Kosher Cava, Lambrusco and Sangria. In addition, Jacobs Farm cheese from Kfar Haroeh, olive oil from Meshek Achiya, De Karina chocolates from Ein Zivan, and Anat liqueurs.
Overall, it can be an enjoyable experience if you know in advance what to expect.
Kol HaKavod to Haim Gan and the staff.
Zvi

[David Raccah]

Hello Guys,

I heard reports that there was an interesting wine at the Festival: Neot Smadar muscat canelli. Did anyone taste it? Thoughts? I hear some interesting other facts about it as well.

David

[Daniel Rogov]

David, Hi....

This small winery, the southernmost in the country, is located on an oasis on Kibbutz Neot Smadar in the Jordan Valley, 60 kilometers north of Eilat. The winery released its first wines from the 2001 vintage and since its inception has relied entirely on organically raised grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat Canelli, all grown in vineyards on the kibbutz. Due to the unique climate conditions, theirs is invariably the earliest harvest in the country. To the best of my knowledge the winery is currently producing about 6,000 bottles annually. My tasting note for the in question follows.

Best
Rogov

Neot Smadar, Muscat Dessert Wine, 2009: Light gold, medium-bodied and generously floral, with its ample sweetness set off by balancing acidity. On the nose and palate honeyed apricots, peaches and gooseberries. Drink now-2011. Score 85.